GLP-1 receptor agonists may reduce the risk of developing and dying from substance use disorders, a study found.
The study, led by researchers at St. Louis-based WashU Medicine and published March 4 in The BMJ, analyzed data from more than 600,000 veterans with Type 2 diabetes. Compared to patients taking other diabetes medications, GLP-1 users had a 14% lower risk of developing any substance use disorder. Risk declined by 18% for alcohol, 14% for cannabis, 20% for cocaine and nicotine and 25% for opioids.
Among veterans with preexisting substance use disorders, GLP-1 use was associated with 30% fewer emergency department visits, 25% fewer hospitalizations, 40% fewer overdoses and 50% fewer drug-related deaths over a three-year period.
The medications studied included semaglutide, liraglutide and dulaglutide, according to a March 4 news release from the health system. Researchers estimated seven fewer new diagnoses and 12 fewer serious harm events per 1,000 GLP-1 users compared to nonusers.
Ziyad Al-Aly, MD, a WashU Medicine epidemiologist and chief of the research and development service at the VA Saint Louis Health Care System,said in the release the findings suggest GLP-1s may suppress cravings across addictive substances by targeting a shared biological pathway, opening the door to future clinical trials for treating addiction directly.
At the Becker's Fall Behavioral Health Summit, taking place November 4–5 in Chicago, behavioral health leaders and executives will explore strategies for expanding access to care, integrating services, addressing workforce challenges and leveraging innovation to improve outcomes across the behavioral health continuum. Apply for complimentary registration now.
